§ Mr. Don FosterTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will make a statement on the future of middle, deemed secondary, schools. [101177]
§ Ms Estelle MorrisSystems of organisation involving middle deemed secondary schools are traditional in some local education authority areas. We recognise that a variety of patterns of organisation are possible, and we support those that are in the best interests of education in the area. Any proposals to change the age range of a school by a full year or more will need to go through the formal statutory proposal process. If there are any objections, the proposals will be decided by a local school organisation committee or, if the committee cannot agree, by an independent adjudicator.